Photos from the commencement of Gyaneshwer Chaubey, the first Indian student to defend PhD at the University of Tartu in Estonia. Photos by Jüri Parik.

1. A happy commencement speech

2. The first slide: What it’s all about

3. Now it’s the opponent’s turn

4. Prof. Jaume Bertranpetit delivers his remarks

5. A spectacular defence, isn’t it?

6. The audience feels the tension

7. Prof. Toivo Maimets (in the foreground) follows the dispute

8. Discussion continues in a more relaxing atmosphere

9. The University of Tartu does not have a commencement cap – no problem!

10. A bird's-eye view of the special top hat

11. Congratulations from the colleagues!

12. A deep bow for the teacher, Prof. Richard Villems

13. The teacher is grateful too

14. At the commencement dinner

15. Beautiful wife wears sari. Let the party start!